Quick answer
Illinois has lower average 1BR rent ($1,850/mo vs $2,600/mo). State income tax: Illinois (4.95%) vs Massachusetts (5%) — on a $120K salary that's $60/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Illinois vs Massachusetts
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Illinois vs Massachusetts at a Glance
| Metric | Illinois | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,850 ✓ | $2,600 |
| Avg median home price | $340K ✓ | $720K |
| Cheapest city | Chicago ($1,850) ✓ | Boston ($2,600) |
| Priciest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Boston ($2,600) |
| State income tax | 4.95% ✓ | 5% |
| Avg walkability | 78/100 | 83/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 1 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Illinois (4.95%).
Salary $80K
$40
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $120K
$60
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $200K
$100
/year saved in Illinois
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Illinois (IL)
Tax reality
Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax (moderate) — but property taxes are among the highest in the US, averaging 2.1% effective. On a $350K Chicago home that's $7,400/year. Combined tax burden is higher than it looks. The state's pension underfunding creates long-term fiscal risk for homeowners.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Property tax is brutal — Cook County averages 2.3% effective. On a $500K home, that's $11,500/year. Homeowners feel this every month.
- ✕Chicago winters are genuinely cold. Lake-effect snow, mid-December through March subzero streaks, and winds off Lake Michigan can make it feel -20°F. This is the biggest filter for people considering moving here.
- ✕The state fiscal situation (pension debt, budget pressures) drives ongoing policy uncertainty — property tax, sales tax, and various fees continue to drift upward.
Massachusetts (MA)
Tax reality
Massachusetts has a 5% flat state income tax plus a 4% 'millionaire surtax' on income over $1M (passed 2022). Property tax is moderate (~1.1% effective statewide, higher in Boston suburbs). No estate tax below $2M; above that, MA estate tax is among the most aggressive in the US.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Housing cost is the big one. Greater Boston is among the most expensive US metros, and it's not just the city — close suburbs are similarly expensive, with the 'cheap' far suburbs still above US median.
- ✕Winters are cold and long. Boston averages 48 inches of snow per year, and coastal storms (nor'easters) can drop 18-24 inches in a single event. Winters last from mid-November through early April.
- ✕Drivers are notoriously aggressive in Boston — narrow roads, confusing intersections, and a local driving culture that surprises newcomers. Rental car insurance rates reflect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois or Massachusetts cheaper to live in?
Illinois has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,850/mo vs $2,600/mo in Massachusetts, a $750/mo difference. Home prices: Illinois median is $340K vs $720K.
Illinois vs Massachusetts: which has lower state income tax?
Illinois has lower state income tax (4.95%) vs 5% in Massachusetts. On an $80K salary that's $40/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $100/year.
Should I move from Illinois to Massachusetts?
Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax (moderate) — but property taxes are among the highest in the US, averaging 2.1% effective. On a $350K Chicago home that's $7,400/year. Combined tax burden is higher than it looks. The state's pension underfunding creates long-term fiscal risk for homeowners.
What are the best cities in Illinois vs Massachusetts?
Illinois's largest metros include Chicago. Massachusetts's largest metros include Boston. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Illinois suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.